There is no instinct like that of the heart.

The man in the red beret (A story of falling in love while #Occupying)

I had made a post last month that I went to #OccupyTampa, to protest as part of the whole #Occupy Movement. It was an incredible experience. I met so many different people, all of whom had very interesting stories to tell, which offered unique points of view.

We (the protesters) occupied a local park both day and night, a majority of us stood on the sidewalk.. our signs/flags in hand for hours.. as cars drove by honking. 

After taking a short break, I walked back to my ‘spot’ on the sidewalk where I had been standing. I noticed a man wearing a red beret next to me. His sign was faced in the other direction.. so I did not know what it said. He turned around and said to me “We look good standing next to each other.” - I was holding a peace flag (with pride!) I smiled, asking what his sign said - ” WAR IS THE PROBLEM, NOT THE SOLUTION.”  Being curious, I started asking questions about him.. he was a Veteran, Iraq War.. also a member of Veterans for Peace. I didn’t want to come off as intrusive, so I resisted personal subject matter.  

I can’t quite explain it, but I felt a connection with the man in the red beret, the second I started talking to him. There was this feeling of magnetism that I had never experienced with someone before. I got his contact information.. as I knew I’d be kicking myself if I left without ever having the opportunity to learn more about him. 

After the protest was over, we talked.. every single day. We both had an immense amount of desire  to understand each others perspectives in regards to the world, along with our own individual values/morals. 

To make a long story short, with all this, I fell in love.

The man you see in the above photograph.. in the red beret.. you can’t see it, but he carries scars of war on his body, mixed with heartbreak. 

I will heal his scars. I will mend his heart, so he shall not be afraid.

He is the kindest, most genuine person I have ever met in my life.  
A person whom deserves true love & affection.

It was love at first sight..